Another week, another United P.R.
Reconsider putting your pet on a plane in the first place.
Dr. Hohenhaus says, I would say to the family: Does the petreallyneed to go at all?
If youre moving, of course.
But for a weekend trip?
No ones watching them [in cargo], no one can get to them.
I recently put the kibosh on a 15-year-old dog flying to Palm Beach.
They ended up having the dog driven to Florida.
Start planning early.
At least a month early, if youve never flown with your pet before, says Dr. Hohenhaus.
The regulations are not uniform across airlines, and theyre not uniform country to country.
and find out what kind of airplane youre flyingnot all carriers will fit in all planes.
And make your reservations early; there will be limits on the number of animals permitted on each flight.
Hire a pet-transport company.
They know the ins and outs of pet travel and can take a complicated logistical problem off your hands.
Take two planes.
You know how crazy you are when you travelthe bags, the kids, she says.
Youll be less stressed, and the animal will be less stressed.
Get a checkup.
Most airlines wont allow very young puppies or kittens, or squish-nosed animals like bulldogs or Persian cats.
And your vet may not sign the certificate if the animal is elderly or in poor health.
Dont drug anyone.
A sedated animal cant respond to a stressful situation.
Eat a normal meal, at home.
The airlines have different rules about when the animal should have last been fed before boarding.
Dr. Hohenhaus says Dont feed the pet a whole days food and then shove it in a crate.
Its better to eat a normal meal at home ahead of time.
Again, check the airline web site.
Microchip and zip ties.
Put a spare leash and collar in your carry-on.
Redundancy is key here.
Put absorbent bedding in the crate.
If youre calm on travel day, your pet have a better shot at staying calm too.
